Flasher mechanism



Aug. 11, 1942. o. M. SHATTUCK FLASHER MECHANISM Filed Feb. 5, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. 11, 1942. o. M. SHATTUCK FLASHER MEGHANI SM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb, 5, 1940 2 a I! I 4 z 3 W fl y w a s M 5 W Bra Ire Smile I Patented Aug. 11, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLASHER MECHANISM Owen M. Shattuck, South Zanesville, Ohio Application February 3, 1940, Serial No. 317,177

5 Claims.

This invention relates to electric circuit control mechanisms and pertains particularly to improvements in mechanisms for operating flasher signs or signals and the present application comprises a continuation in part of allowed application Ser. No. 194,219.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved electric signal or sign circuit control means wherein novel mechanism is employed for inducing rapid alternating current oscillations through a neon or other gas type of tube or bulb and interrupting such current flow to obtain a desired dark period for such signal or sign.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel signal or sign circuit controlling mechanism having associated therewith control means for actuation by a mechanical element of a motor vehicle upon which the sign and control mechanism may be located, whereby the mechanism will be automatically adjusted or set to continue uninterruptedly the induction of rapid oscillations for the steady or continuous illumination or glowingof such sign or signal, or set to periodically interrupt for a desired period of time the induction of such oscillations.

A still further object is to provide an electric circuit control mechanism of the above described character wherein a novel electrically actuated starter is provided for imparting an initial rotar'y impulse to the inertia wheel.

Still another object is to provide an electric circuit interrupter mechanism for motor vehicle or other vehicle carried signals, wherein a magnetic coil actuated inertia wheelis employed for controlling two pairs of series connected switches, one of which pair of switches is rapidly opened and closed by said wheel for the passage through said circuit of rapid current impulses while the other pair of switches is slowly opened and closed by said wheel for the purpose of holding said circuit open for spaced predetermined periods of time during which said wheel continues rotating by inertia.

A still further object is to provide in a circuit controlling mechanism of the character above described, a means actuated by a mechanical element of the vehicle upon which the device is mounted for shunting out of circuit the secondmentioned switch to effect the continual uninterrupted rapid opening and closing of the firstmentioned switch by the inertia wheel.

A still further object is to provide a novel sign construction employing a single tube of ionizable or other characters whereby the present necessity of forming such letters in the form of individual gas filled tubular units through each of which an electric current is passed, is done away with The invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, with the understanding, however, that the invention is not to be confined to any strict conformity withthe showing of the drawings but may be changed or modified so long as such changes or modifications mark no material departure from the salient features of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of the form of the present invention as employed for the operation of flashing a sign.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the form of the invention as employed in association with a vehicle structure for control by certain parts of the vehicle mechanism and including the electrical starter for the mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through one of the contacts.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 4 but illustrating the use in the sign of a single plate only.

In referring more particularly to the drawings, it will be noted that two forms of the mechanism are disclosed, the form shown in Fig, 1 being of a simpler design than that shown in Fig. 2. However, the fundamental novel features are contained in both forms illustrated. The description will first be confined to the form of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1.

The form of the mechanism according to Fig. 1 is intended for the control of a sign or other structure wherein it is desired to illuminate such sign for a predetermined period and to then darken the signfor a short period, thus producing a true flashing sign but, as will be readily understood from the objects previously set forth, the device is intended for the control of those signs commonly known as neon signs wherein the employment of rapid current oscillations is required and the mechanism therefore functions to provide the necessary rapid interruption of an electric current carrying circuit for the production of an induced rapidly oscillating current and also for the slow interruption of current flow gas for the illumination of a plurality of letters through such circuit whereby the rapid frequency current illuminated sign is maintained dark or inoperative for a desired period.

Referring now more particularly to the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1, there is shown a transformer unit indicated generally by the nu- Ineral l which has a primary coil or winding 2 and the secondary winding enclosing the coil 2 and indicated by the numeral 3, there being a core 4 extending axially through the two windings. The primary and secondary windings are period of time when it has been given an initial rotary movement. This .wheel is arranged so that the periphery thereof is in line with an end of the core 4, and secured to and extending.

, silient contact arm 3| which is attached to and and II and those contacts of the switch 9 being designated l2 and I3 and the contacts of the switch 8 may be referred to or described as the 'slow contacts in view of the fact that they are separated and brought together slowly in the operation oithe mechanism in contradis'tinction to the contacts l2 and I3 which are rapidly brought together and separated and, therefore,

might be referred to as the rapid contacts.

The circuit in which the coil 2 and the several switches are connected with the source of electric potential may be designated generally by the numeral H, the line or portion thereof leading from one end of the coil 2 to the negative side of the battery being indicated at l5. From the positive side of the battery to one side of the switch I, the conductor l6 extends, and from the other side of the switch I to the stationary contact ll of the switch 8, the conductor H extends. From the movable contact ID of the switch 8 electrical connection is made at l8 with the casing in which the mechanism is mounted, a portion of such frame being indicated at 32, and a similar connection is made between the movable contact l3 of the switch 9 and the casing. It will be readily apparent, however, that if preferred, a direct wire may be connected between carrying arms for the contacts l0 and I3 of the switches. ,7

The contact l2 of the switch 9 is secured to a supporting arm 20 which is secured to the i'rame l9 and insulated therefrom, as indicated at 2i, and a conductor wire runs from the fixed lower end of the arm 20, as indicated at 22} ,to the connection 5 where the ends of the two coils 2 and 3 are joined together.

The fixed contact H of the switch 8 is also carried by an arm 23 to which the conductor I1 is electrically joined and this arm is fixed to andinsulated from the supporting base l9 for this unit.

Connecting across or bridging the conductors I1 and 22 is a condenser 24 which takes care of current surges in the circuit to prevent sparking.

of thecontact points, the condenser being, as

shown, located between the two sets of contacts and the coil and battery.

The opening and closing of the slow contacts and rapid contacts of the switches 8 and 9, re spectively, is controlled in the following manner. A shaft 25 is provided which is supported in any suitable manner for rotation and secured to this shaft is a wheel 26 which, as shown, has a heavy M peripheral or rim-portion 21 and a light central portion whereby the bulk of the weight of the wheel is remote from the shaft so that the wheel may be electrically coupled with a portion of the housing 32 within which the mechanism may be enclosed. This spring arm has secured to one side a contact lug 33 oi. insulation material against which the eccentric point 30 strikes when the eccentric disk 29 rotates, to close the points l2 and I3.

It will be noted that the point 30 is arranged so that when the inertia wheel turns in a counterclockwise direction, the point will have just passed or disengaged from the insulation follower 33 when the armature 28 comes directly into line with the core 4 or, in other words, comes under the full or complete influence of the magnetic flux of the coil 2. Thus it will be seen that during rotation of the inertiawheel when the cam point 30 forces the points l2 and 13 together, the armature 28 will be approaching the magnetic core and will be in a position to will continue to turn or rotate for aconsiderable come into the field of magnetic flux when the core is energized, but the electric circuit through the core will be broken'immediately that the armature comes into direct opposition to the core.

Supported in a suitable manner, not shown, adjacent to and parallel with the shaft 25, is a driven shaft 38 which carries a gear wheel 35 with which is meshed the gear pinion 36 carried by the inertia wheel rotated shaft 25. The shaft 34 also carries a cam wheel 31. The movable contact ID of the switch 8 is carried by a flexible arm 38 electrically connected with the housing or enclosing body 32 to which the arm 3| is attached, and the cam or eccentric wheel '3! is arranged to. bear against this arm 38 so that as this eccentric rotates, it will move the arm 38 to shift the contact ID with respect to the contact ll. Since the cam wheel 29 has an abruptly or sharply formed cam point 30 where as the cam wheel 31 is of circular form but is eccentrically attached to the shaft 34, it will be readily apparent that the contact 10 will be moved from the adjacent contact .ll only at intervals which are relatively long as compared with the intervals ofseparation and connection between the contacts l2 and I 3, and due to the speed reductiongearing between the shafts 25 and 34, the turning of the cam 31 will be very slow as compared with the turning speed of the cam 29.

The numeral 39 designates a conventionally illustrated gas filled tube such as is commonly employed in signs wherein the gas is ionized by the passage through the tube of a high-potential current, this illustrating a sign or signal of any design which it is desiredlto illuminate for predetermined periods. In other words, the numeral 39 indicates a structure representing a flashing sign and one end of this tube is electrically connected by the conductor 40 with the free end of the secondary coil 3, while the other end of the tube is connected by the conductor contact 4| with the conductor II which leads tive side of the battery I. v

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that the mechanism thus far described provides a novel and thoroughly reliable meansof supplying rapid alternations of current for a sign oilthe character described and for intermittent ly shutting oil such current from the sign so as to provide a flashing sign, the periods of illumination and of darkness for which may be readily controlled or adjusted.

If, in the operation of the mechanism described, ai'ter the switch I has been opened and the inertia wheel has come to rest, it should happen that the switches I and I are left open, when the mechanism is to be again started up, it is only necessary after closing the switch I, to impart an initial rotary movement to the inertia wheel 24 with the linger in order to close the circuit after which the rapid intermittent passage of current through the coil 2 will function to keep the inertia wheel turning in the manner stated and to produce the necessary rapidly changing current surges through the secondary coil for the purpose of illuminating the sign or light unit 30.

In the mechanism shown in Fig. 2, there is employed the same fundamental structure described in connection with Fig. l, but this has added to it additional structure whereby the mechanism may. be conveniently used upon a'moving vehicle such as a truck, school bus or other structure where it is desired to carry a constantly illuminated sign or signal while the vehicle is in motion andto provide an intermittently 11- lumlnated or flashing signal when such vehicle is standing. -In this form of the invention, the

,parts corresponding to those already described will be referred to by the same reference characters primed. Inv this modification of the invention, the mechanism supporting base is indicated at I 9 and it has mounted thereon in a suitable manner the transformer unit I which has the primary coil 2 encircling the core 4' and it is in turn encircled by the secondary coil 3'.

The mechanism will, of course, be enclosed in a suitable housing of which only portions are shown and indicated by the numeral 32. Supported in a suitable manner, not shown, upon the base It, is the inertia wheel controlled shaft 25' carrying the inertia wheel 21' and a cam disk 29' having a point 30. As previously stated. this cam disk may have one or more points, if desired, two being here shown. This shaft 25' also carries ,the gear pinion 35'. Supported in a suitable manner, not shown,-adjacent and parallel to the shaft 25, is the driven shaft 34 which carries an eccentric 31' and a gear wheel 35', which is operatively'coupled with the pinion 36'.

Secured on the base to anupstanding post 42, which is insulated from the base I! is a resilient arm 20' carrying a contact l2, and secured to and electrically joined to an overlying portion of the casing or housing 32' is an end of a depending resilient arm 31' which carries a l3. These contacts together form a switch unit 8' and are the rapidly operated contacts of the mechanism. The resilient arm 3| carries an insulating follower 33 with which the cam point 30' of the cam wheel 29' contacts. As shown in detail in Fig.3, the post 42 has an auxiliary arm 43 which extends over the back of the resilient contact carrier 20' and has interposed between it and this contact carrier, an

totbenegaexpansion spring 44. This double spring arrangement for the contact I! may also be provided in the structure shown in Fig. 1, and it is employed so as to obtain a positive and quick reaction when the contact I2 is pressed back by the contact I! and also it is Provided so that a flrm pressure of the movable contact I! with the adjacent contact may be obtained without putting undue stress upon the eccentric wheel.

Secured to the base is adjacent the cam 31' is an upstanding contact carrying arm 23' which is insulated from the base and which carries the contact I I. The portion of the casing 52' adjacent the cam 31 has electrically secured thereto the resilient depending arm 38 which carries the contact III for coaction with the contact ii thus forming a switch 8.

Since the contact carrying arms 3| and 38' are electrically joined to the housing 32', it is obvious that they will be electrically coupled together, but in the diagram of Fig. 2, these portions of the housing to which the two contact arms are attached, are shown electrically coupled together by a wire 45.

The numerals 40' and 4i designate respectively current conductors leading from the free end of the secondary coil 3' to a signal unit indicated generally by the numeral 45 and hereinaftef more specifically described, and from -the signal unit to the return conductor 41, which leads from an end of the coil 2' to the negative. side of the source of electric potential-6'.

In adapting the mechanism to a vehicle for control by certain partsof the vehicle mechanism, there provided a relay unit 48 which include'san electromagnet 49 having connected therewith the current conductors 50 and 5|. The conductor 50 leads to the negative side of the battery which may represent the storage battery of a motor vehicle. The relay also includes a spring actuated armature 52 having the double contacts at one endfas indicated at 53 and 54.

The numeral 55 designates a switch which is coupled with the vehicle hand brake so that when such hand brake is applied, the switch will be open and when the brake is unapplied, the

switch will be closed. This switch includes the contact members 56 bridged by the movable element 5! and one of these contacts 55 is connected at one side by the current conductor 58 with the ignition wiring of the vehicle between the vehicle ignition switch 59 and the wire 60 which extends from the switch to the ignition coil, not shown. The other terminal or contact 56 of the switch 55 is connected by the wire 5| with the electromagnet 49. The numeral 6! generally designates a starter switch for the circuit controlling or signal flashing mechanism. This starter switch includes a spring pressed butten or other suitable similar member 62, controlled by the spring 63, which has joined thereto a contact bridging member 64.

A terminal 65 adjacent one side of the-, bridging member 64 is provided with a relatively wide blade and opposing this terminal are two terminals 65 and 61, each of which has a relatively narrow blade and which are'progressively engaged by the bridging member 64 when the button 62 is pressed in against the spring 63. By this arrangement, the bridging member 64 first electrically couples the terminals and 66 and subsequently couples the terminals 55 and 61.

The positive side of the battery 6' is connected by the conductor 68 with the terminal 65 of the starter switch. and the terminal 51 of the starter 25' thereby spinning this switch is connected by the current conductor 69 with the housing 32 whereby to ,carry current to the two terminal carrying arms 3| and 38'.

The relay 48 includes the two spaced terminals and 1| between which the terminals 53 and 54 move, and the terminal 10 is connected by the currentconductor 12 with the contact carrying arm 23'. The terminal H of the relay switch is connected by the conductor 13 with the conductor 69.

The current conducting armature 52 of the relay is connected with the conductor 88 and, therefore, with the positive side of the battery 6' by the conductor 14,and this conductor has a switch 15 therein which constitutes the main control switch for the entire flasher mechanism system. When this control switch is closed, the system may be operated and when it is opened, the system is completely out of service.

The terminal carrying arm iselectrically connected through the conductor post 42, which is insulated from the base l9, with the end of the coil 2 to which the secondary 3' is connected at 5, by the conductor 22'.

The numeral 16 indicates an electrically operated starter which is controlled by the starter switch 6|. This starter comprises a solenoid 11 having a movable core 18. To the outer end of the solenoid core is pivotally connected anend of a lever arm 19 which is pivotally supported intermediate its ends at 80, and this lever arm has its upper end provided with a tip 8| of friction material such as rubber or the like, which is arranged to move transversely of the inertia wheel supporting shaft 25 and in contact with the shaft, when the lever is one direction by movement of the solenoid core 18 when the solenoid is energized. A spring 82 functions-t0 pull the starter lever back to starting position and to shift the solenoid core outwardly when the solenoid is de-energized. One

side of this solenoid is electrically connected by the conductor 83 with the starter switch terminal 66 and the other side is electrically connected by the conductor 84 with the conductor 41 which leads to the return side or negative pole of the battery 6.

The operation of the mechanism of Fig. 2 is as follows:

Assuming that the vehicle upon which the mechanism is mounted is standing with its emergency brake applied and with the inertia wheel stationary, the device is put in operation first by closing the main controlswitch 15 and then by depressing the starting switch button 62 and holding this button depressed against the spring Fig. 1. ,When the switch 62 is released after the v inertia wheel has attained its full operatingoscillated in 63 for a few seconds until the inertia Wheel has attained its full operating speed. When this operation is performed current will first be carried from the battery across the contacts 55 and 56 to the starter unit 16. This will operate the lever 19 to apply a tangential force to the shaft shaft and starting the inertia wheel turning in the desired direction. Since the wiping contact of head 8| against shaft 25 is relatively light, the inertia wheel being delicately balanced and requiring only a touch to start it rotating, the return wiping contact of the head with the shaft 25' from rotating since it is now being turned by the electrical attractions of the coil and the frictiona1 engagement of the head with the shaft is not sufliciently great to stop its rotation. The terminals 65 and 61 will immediately be coupled together by the full depression of the switch butwill not stop the shaft speed, then the currentflow will be by way of the conductors 68, 14, switch 15, conductor armature 52, points 53 and 10 and conductor 12 to the contact carrying arm 23', through the points l0 and II, the conductor 38 and then through the housing 32' and by way of the switch 9' to the coil 2 and back to the current source. This opening of the switch 62 cuts out the bypassing conductor line 69 and by causing the current to flow through both switches 8' and 9 results in the intermittent energization of the light unit 46. Of course,it willbeunderstood that current is flowing through the light unit in rapidly produced alternations, but such alternations rapidly produced alterations, but such alterations glowing. As the cam 31' slowly revolves during therapid revolution of the eccentric 29', the cir-. cuit will be opened at spaced periods for a pre determined period of time during which the inertia wheel will continue to turn by inertia alone and will eventually turn the reduction gearing to the point where the cam 31. will close the switch 8, thereby re-establishing the circuit and producing the desired high frequency alternations of induced current in the secondary coil 3'. This is the function of the mechanism when the vehicle is standing with its brake applied.

When the vehicle is in operation and the ignition switch 59 is naturally closed, the brake controlled switch 55 will also be closed and this will energizetthe magnet 49 of the relay switch so as to throw the relay armature 52 into the position where the contacts 54 and 1| are engaged. The current flow will then take place from the battery through the armature conductor 52 and the contacts 54 and "H to the conductors 13 and 69 and directly to the casing 32' passing from there directly to the contact carrying arm 3| to the rapidly moving contacts of the switch Sand from there through the coil 2 back to the current source. Thus the switch 8' is shunted out of the circuit and consequently while 7 the vehicle engine is operating and the brake is not require that the letters forming the sign or signal be formed of shaped pieces of gas carrying tubing as is the custom in forming neon signs at the present time. In this novelly constructed sign, there is provided a frame 86 of suitable shape and proportions in which is located one or two glass plates 81. Two such plates are here shown but it will be readily understood from the subsequent description that one only may be used, if desired. Each of these plates has cut into one face the letters 88 for the sign, such cutting being preferably performed by sand blast so that the surfaces of the grooves or channels formed will be roughened or frosted. When two plates are employed, the same or diflerent letters may be cut into the plates'so that both sides of the sign will show some signal or message and these plates are placed within the frame with their lettered sides in opposing relation, and there is interposed between the plates a sheet of suitable black material such as black cardboard or the like, as indicated at 89. The gas filled tube 85 is disposed in a channel or recess around the inside of the frame, as indicated at 90, so that the tube extends along the edges of the plates 81. The tube 85 should be of such diameter that the periphery thereof will not lie beyond the deepest part of the letter recesses. In other words. the

diameter of the gas tube is such that if a line trolled by the rotating wheel for opening and closing the other pair of contacts with less rapidity than the said one pair are opened and closed.

were drawn vertically through the sign across the upper and lower sides of the tubes. such line would come just within the deepest side of the shallowest ones of the letter recesses. With this arrangement, the glow produced by the gas tube when the gas is ionized, passes downwardly and strikes the frosted surfaces of the recesses formbacking 89 would form the back of the sign.

2.-In an electric signal flasher mechanism wherein such signal is of the gas filled tube type requiring passage of rapid alternations oi electric current and wherein is employed a magnetic 'coil having a core and a rotatable inertia wheel supported with its periphery adjacent an end of saidlcore and carrying an armature on its pe-,

riphery; an, electric circuit. having in series connection therein the coil, a source of electric potential, apair of circuit controlling slow contacts and a pair of circuit controlling rapid contacts, either of said pair of contacts when separated opening the circuit, means actuated-by the wheel for producing relative movement between the rapid contacts for opening and closing the cir cult, means for. efiecting relative movementoi the slow contacts, and an operative speed reduction coupling between said rotating wheel and said last means. i

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that there has been herein disclosed a new and novel method of operating a flashing sign or for producing interruptions of an electric circuit between longer periods of rapid interruption in the circuit and-for controlling such circuit whereby the long periods of interruption may be cut out so that the rapid interruptions may proceed indefinitely. There has also been disclosed a novel form of ionized gas illuminated sign or signal which improves over those signals of similar type which are at present in use in that it does not require the formation of the signal characters or letters of individual gas filled tubes, but employs merely a single easily shaped gas filled tube for the illuminationof any desired number of letters or characters.

While there has been shown and described in association with the mechanism as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, a source of direct current, the flow of which is periodically interrupted for the purpose of producing the desired induced current of high potential in the secondary coils 3 and 3', it is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention to use the mechanism in association with a source of alternating current to step up the frequency of the same to the desired or required extent.

What is claimed is:

1. In mechanism for effecting the rapid making and breaking of an electric circuit during spaced time periods wherein is employed a wire coil having a fixed core and a rotatably supported inertia wheel carrying an armature movable into the magnetic field of the coil at one end of the core, an electric circuit having in series connection therein said coil; 9. source of electric potential and two pairs of relatively movable contacts, means controlled by said wheel for closing one pair of contacts as the armature enters said field and'opening the contacts when the armature is 3. In an electric signal flasher mechanis ,wherein is employeda magnetic coil having a.

core and a rotatable inertia wheel supported with its periphery adjacent an end of said core and carrying an armature on its periphery; an electric circuit having in series connection therein the coil, a source of electric potential, 9. Pair of circuit controlling slow contacts and a pair of opening and closing the circuit, means for effecting relative movement of the slow contacts,

, an operative speed reduction coupling between saidv rotating wheel and said last means, and means for shunting the slow contacts out of circuit.

4. In an electric circuit interrupting mechanism wherein is employed a rotatably supported inertia wheel having an armature upon the peproaches the core and to open the switch when the armature is in its closest relation to the core,

a second switch in said circuit, a rotary means in the full influence of the field, and means con- 75.

coupled with and operated by the rotating inertia wheel for opening and closing the second switch at materially longer intervals than the first switch is opened and closed, ,the said inertia wheel continuing to rotate through inertia during the period that the circuit is opened by the second switch, and means for shunting current through the circuit across the second switch to flow directly to the'flrst switch for the continuous control of the circuit by the first switch.

5. In a flasher mechanism wherein is employed a rotatably supported inertia wheel, an electromagnetic means including a coil, and an armaturecarried by the periphery of the wheel which is arranged with respect to said means for the movement through the magnetic field of said that the switch will be closed for the energization of said coil when said armature is in a position to be attracted toward the magnetic means by the magnetic flux thereof and to open 10 said circuit for the deenergization of the coil when the armature is in a position where it is under the maximum influence of the magnetic flux, and an electrical starting mechanism for said wheel having one side directly connected in I said circuit and connected at its'other side to said manual switch to be energized upon the closing or the manual switch, said starting mechanism upon energization being momentarily operatively connected with the wheel to give an initial turn thereto.

' OWEN M. SHA'I'I'UCK. 

